Review on Gas-a-Just Gas Shock KG4026 by KYB by Marcus Braunstein

A very good DIY replacement for the Bilstein which comes without a compression strap and has a thin rubber cap. both are STRONG cons IMO for DIYers. Considering the price difference between the two brands, I see a lot of "value" in KYB "gas-a-just" shocks, even though they aren't the superior monomax KYBs (KYB DOES NOT make monomax shocks for Gen 1 Xterras according to the directory). If you drive in a rust belt and your shock absorbers are original and full of rust, give yourself a day off to do all the work. I highly recommend removing the spare tire (almost a requirement), lowering the passenger side rear anti-roll bar (optional to fit the passenger side shock), and removing the driver side rear wheel (if you need to turn off the driver side shock). ). ). ) before trying to install. A few days of PB Blaster soaking rusty rebar is a must. Tool? --- Brake rod and 17mm socket (regular and deep) (15mm and channel lock plus 14mm if you remove the right side of the rear anti-roll bar) are required, as are a jack, stand and pry bars. Additional tools include: 4-6" C-Clamp, lock washers, optional bottle jack, saw if you need to cut open the shock to remove (avoid if possible). Order new ones from Nissan ($1.65 and $0.70 each; you need 4 pack) Make sure your shock is aligned as best as possible before cutting the compression strap! DO NOT cut it by hand! 19" Xterra shocks with rivets. The KYB shocks are compressed eye to eye to 16", so it's not ideal. It's best to start the shock assembly with the TOP by securing the top with the nut, but not like this Note that it can't wiggle a bit to mount the bottom.You only have a few seconds to fully decompress the shock once the compression strap is cut, so get it right, but not completely on the bottom bolt , use the clamp "c" to push it fully into the stud mount so you can remove the sprocket t your nut. Lubricate both "tabs" with heavy duty grease before cutting the compression band. Check again how each "eye" attaches to its stud.LOWER the vehicle fully to install the rear anti-roll bar.Otherwise you will get the 2 anti-roll bar bolts and connecting rod with theirs r bolt and 15mm nut never properly aligned. Use your channel to loosen and tighten (insert in the center of the fitting) with your 15mm wrench or socket.